Intrinsic Viscosity estimation of PET from MFR tests

Intrinsic Viscosity (I.V.) is a quantity related to the molecular weight of plastics and is typically monitored as a part of Quality Control procedures for materials like PET (poly-ethylene-terephthalate) and PA (poly-amides aka nylons). This is important since properties during processing and properties of the finished product show a significant dependence on it. Additionally, I.V. has some historical importance – it was defined in experimental Physics/Chemistry at the time of establishing the very existence of polymer molecules.

Even though the most common testing methods for I.V. imply the use of solvents (sometimes highly toxic), they are still used in the industry. The possibility of alternative methods has been investigated and several published papers exist on this subject.

As a starting point, the user still needs to measure I.V. by traditional procedures on a couple of reference samples. Then, in order to calibrate the correlation procedure, the MFR tests are carried out on the same samples. Given a series of samples with similar chemistry and composition, but having differences in the molecular weights, I.V. for each sample can be estimated by the software starting from the measured MFR value.

We were asked to test a series of PET samples by a company that produces and recycles packaging materials. The customer was already testing regular MFR, but was commissioning I.V. tests for each new batch to external laboratories.

The customer was experiencing inconsistent behavior of PET grades for injection molding that came from difference sources and the final product was sometimes affected by small bubbles on the surface. They were looking to resolve this issue by means of more frequent I.V. determinations. Some I.V. data were already available. To assist them, we performed MFR tests on several different samples: some from virgin material and some from recycled material of two different sources. We then utilized the software analysis that performs the empirical correlation.

Significant differences were consistently observed in the I.V. values estimated by the software for the different samples, demonstrating the possibility of discriminating between samples, and of indirectly predicting process behavior with an easy procedure. Interestingly, the required type of testing machine (melt flow tester) is already used by QC operators for standard MFR purposes, so the determination of I.V. with this method doesn’t require significant additional investment.

The Instron® CEAST MF50 multi-weight Melt Flow Tester performs melt flow rate (melt index) tests according to MFR and MVR methods that fully comply with ASTM D1238 procedures A, B, C, D, and ISO 1133 A and B, for single weight and multiple weight tests .
Multi-weight tests can include up to 5 masses in increasing, decreasing or free sequence, with fully customizable preheating and measurement steps. All masses are pre-installed and managed by the machine without operator intervention, eliminating all safety concerns. A high-resolution direct-contact encoder measures piston displacement. The temperature profile in the barrel is extremely stable and accurate. Additional advanced features include a large touch-screen display for full test programming, management and diagnostic functions, with an embedded PC based on Windows CE, able to store test methods and test results. Easy data export through USB and Ethernet ports. Compacting and purging functions can be supported by the unique load cell feature. Automatic melt cutting and barell cleaning accessories are also available.

Please choose a subscription optionOne or more required fields are empty, complete the form to continue.One or more fields contain formatting errors, fix the errors to continue.You must agree to Instron's Privacy Policy in order to continue.

“It is our objective at Instron to provide our customers the best ownership experience by delivering the highest quality products, expert support and world-class service.”